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The possibility of transmitting an emergency message in the event of sudden events or disasters via a network of transmitters operating on DAB+ platform is nothing new and has been successfully tested several times. EWF - Emergency Warning Functionality - does not need to be connected to the internet and is activated in a matter of seconds. The technology uses the DAB+ digital terrestrial broadcasting standard for its transmission. (Image: Profimedia)

DAB+ stations whose programme feed is interrupted due to interference receive the programme terrestrially from another DAB+ station, convert it to a different frequency (channel) and broadcast it again with a short time delay. The programme that has been distributed in this way can now be received by other DAB+ stations and broadcast on a different frequency. In this way, comprehensive broadcasting coverage can be achieved even in the event of a disaster. Manufacturers of receivers and receiver chips, as well as the automotive industry, are invited to test their receivers with regard to re-broadcasting.

The EWF Emergency Warning Functionality is a combination of different services such as Alarm Announcement, Service Linking, Program Associated Data and Non-PAD, and can distribute multimedia and multilingual information. The EWB procedure is also compatible with all old DAB receivers. Modern receivers are also switched on automatically with EWB and can display information via other data services.

A warning system developed by Fraunhofer IIS called EWF (Emergency Warning Functionality) for DAB+ digital radio devices could have warned people of disasters, even if the radio was switched off. If mobile internet fails, warning messages can no longer be received via smartphones.

If a disaster occurs, the mobile phone networks are quickly overloaded or no longer available. The public must therefore be informed via an independent infrastructure. DAB offers a robust and well-established transmission network and simple (battery-powered) DAB receivers are sufficient for reception. In addition, DAB broadcasts are unencrypted and freely available and can reach the entire population. DAB is therefore very well suited for transmitting emergency warning information.

Rohde & Schwarz has developed a new super-compact and lightweight portable emergency DAB+ transmitter for Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) in Munich, Germany. This new transmitter design is a variant of the company’s R&S TMV9-4 DAB+ transmitter and ensures continuity of broadcast across BR’s DAB+ radio network.

Thanks to DAB + digital radio, the Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) can be used to send corresponding warnings directly to DAB + radio devices. EWF is a new form of barrier-free alerting within a few seconds, which the digital terrestrial broadcasting standard DAB + offers and, in exceptional cases, can switch on radios that are in standby. In addition to the voice announcement, multilingual text information is also transmitted with EWF via DAB+.

In Vienna, DAB+ is being used to broadcast announcement loops with crucial information related to the spread of Covid-19. In addition to the announcement loop in German, there are also information channels in English, Turkish, Romanian and an Emergency Warning Functionality“ (EWF) station broadcasting in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.

Paneda has carried out a large live demo of its unique Emergency Warning System over DAB. The test has been performed in the smaller city Flåm in Norway and has included the rescue service with fire brigades and police as well as representatives from relevant authorities.

The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration supports the deployment of emergency warning systems on DAB+ digital radio. This would enable digital radio owners to be immediately informed of emergencies, even if the device is in stand-by mode.